University of Louisville Ralph R. Wright Natatorium

 

  

Members of the University of Louisville swimming and diving team now take the plunge in the Ralph R. Wright Natatorium.

Whittenberg Construction Co., of Louisville, oversaw the construction of the $11.6 million dollar facility, which opened in September of 2005 and was designed by Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects of Indianapolis (IN).

 

The masonry contractor, Central Construction Co, of Louisville, installed multiple masonry products, including:

• Jefferson Blend (modular size face brick) by Hanson
• Elmhurst Splitface & Groundface (Trendstone) units by Trenwyth (4″,8″ & 12″)
• AstraGlaze (Trenwyth) Units in Fire Engine Red (4″ & 8″)
• Natural colored concrete masonry units

The natatorium is another addition to Cardinal Park, which now runs along Floyd Street from Cardinal Boulevard to Central Avenue. Other current projects include a new la crosse field just south of Eastern Parkway and the Trager Center indoor practice facility at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

The complex is named for U of L’s first swim coach, Ralph R. Wright. Wright died at the age of 45 in 1966, but built a reputation as an incredible swimmer and terrific coach.

The natatorium is a 50-meter pool containing nearly one million gallons of water. There are four spring boards and three platforms for diving. It can accommodate up to 800 spectators and athletes.